Developed mild spondylosis-From Radiation tx?

cureitall66
cureitall66 Member Posts: 913
in Head and Neck Cancer #1

Kreg recently had an MRI of spine and shoulders due to some pain radiating from the neck down the arms and shoulders. We have the report, but have not yet spoken to the doctor, but it indicates mild spondylosis(compression of the nerve roots), as well as disc bulges mildly compressing the thecal sac (matter surrounds the spinal cord) on C3, C4, C5, C6, C7 and is noted with mild facet hypertrophy. In our attempt to read this and research, it appears some of this pain and problem is a direct result of radiation treatment. He is at 1 yr out of treatment next month.

Has anyone else experience this sort of pain after treatment? If so, what were your options with helping with the pain?

Thank you in advance for any comments and help in this situation. Hoping to get some clarification next week from the doctor.

~C

 

Comments

  • longtermsurvivor
    longtermsurvivor Member Posts: 1,842 Member
    #2
    trapezius muscle weakness

    with resultant posture change and pain is actually fairly common after rads to the neck.  I have developed problems with this.  A thorough exam from someone qualifiied to do the exam, which may be a neurologist or a physical medicine specialist may be helpful.  What I have done to help myself is I started doing excercises specific to strengthen the traps, using weights three times a week.  Within two months I was much much better.  You can google some stuff on the internet about this.  The bony changes on the xray are very typical of post radiation, but it is nerve involvement of the spinal accessory nerve that causes the problem.

     

    Pat

     

    PS  Here's an article: http://now.aapmr.org/PMRJournals/201111_1041_RadiationFibrosisSyndromeNeuronmuscular.pdf

  • cureitall66
    cureitall66 Member Posts: 913
    #3
    longtermsurvivor said:

    trapezius muscle weakness

    with resultant posture change and pain is actually fairly common after rads to the neck.  I have developed problems with this.  A thorough exam from someone qualifiied to do the exam, which may be a neurologist or a physical medicine specialist may be helpful.  What I have done to help myself is I started doing excercises specific to strengthen the traps, using weights three times a week.  Within two months I was much much better.  You can google some stuff on the internet about this.  The bony changes on the xray are very typical of post radiation, but it is nerve involvement of the spinal accessory nerve that causes the problem.

     

    Pat

     

    PS  Here's an article: http://now.aapmr.org/PMRJournals/201111_1041_RadiationFibrosisSyndromeNeuronmuscular.pdf

    Thanks Pat!

    What an interesting article. Explains alot of symptoms. I hope that "Skiffin" can put this in our Superthread...I think many would benefit from reading this. 

    It doesn't really say what can be done to help reduce the pain....therapy, and meds I suppose. Kreg is concerned of paralysis in his future.

    Thanks for sharing this Pat, it is much appreciated!Laughing

    ~Cris 

  • debbiejeanne
    debbiejeanne Member Posts: 3,102 Member
    #4
    longtermsurvivor said:

    trapezius muscle weakness

    with resultant posture change and pain is actually fairly common after rads to the neck.  I have developed problems with this.  A thorough exam from someone qualifiied to do the exam, which may be a neurologist or a physical medicine specialist may be helpful.  What I have done to help myself is I started doing excercises specific to strengthen the traps, using weights three times a week.  Within two months I was much much better.  You can google some stuff on the internet about this.  The bony changes on the xray are very typical of post radiation, but it is nerve involvement of the spinal accessory nerve that causes the problem.

     

    Pat

     

    PS  Here's an article: http://now.aapmr.org/PMRJournals/201111_1041_RadiationFibrosisSyndromeNeuronmuscular.pdf

    john, can u add the article

    john, can u add the article above 2 the superthread?  it was suggested by Cris. i just wanted 2 make sure u saw her request...lol.   thx.

    God bless.

    dj

  • Skiffin16
    Skiffin16 Member Posts: 8,305 Member
    #5
    debbiejeanne said:

    john, can u add the article

    john, can u add the article above 2 the superthread?  it was suggested by Cris. i just wanted 2 make sure u saw her request...lol.   thx.

    God bless.

    dj

    Added...
    Sorry, I missed it, but gt it on there today after she email head smacked me....

    added 07NOV2013

    ~JG

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